Virgin wool – what kind of fabric is it: are the high prices for virgin wool coats justified

Virgin wool is highly regarded for its quality, but what distinguishes it specifically? This fabric is known to be softer, warmer, and more resilient than other types of wool because it is made from the first shearing of a lamb.

Many people ponder whether virgin wool coats’ higher price tags are actually justified. Although these coats are frequently expensive, their comfort and durability may make them worth the price.

You can determine if adding a coat made of virgin wool to your wardrobe is a wise investment by being aware of its special qualities.

Aspect Description
What is Virgin Wool? Virgin wool is a high-quality fabric made from the first shearing of a lamb, known for its softness, warmth, and durability.
Why is it Expensive? It’s more expensive due to the purity of the wool, as it hasn"t been processed or recycled, ensuring superior texture and quality.
Are High Prices Justified? The high prices are often justified by its exceptional comfort, long-lasting wear, and the ethical farming practices often associated with its production.

“Virgin” wool and “recycling”

You must go a little further into the jargon to comprehend what kind of fabric virgin wool is. The English word "virgin" is where the name "virgin" originates. This word means "virgin, first, primary, clean" when translated.

Virgin wool is unprocessed primary wool used to make fabric, yarn, or fiber.

The raw material is used to make a product right away after sheep are sheared. Virgin wool is the opposite of "recycled" or "restored" wool. A mark like this indicates that secondary raw materials were used to make the product. In other words, the wool was previously felted and woven into an item. It was then processed, and a new thread was created.

Recycled material is rougher, less wear-resistant, and has a cotton wool-like appearance. To be fair, it is far less expensive than new fiber but still just as warm.

Confusion in names

In the traditional version, the item is made of wool to keep it warm. As a result, a lot of people focus on the label first and search for the coveted "wool," which is what the English word for "wool" actually means. As we already know, "primary" is "virgin."

But there are other names for virgin wool besides "virgin wool." It can be marked differently in products:

  • lana vergine (Italian name);
  • new wool (the term “virgin” has been changed to “new” – “new”);
  • pure virgin wool (“pure” is translated as “clean”);
  • 100% lana vergine (means that the material is made without synthetic or other additives);
  • virgin merino wool (“unprocessed fine wool from merino sheep”).

Woolen fabrics that have earned certification are the best quality. The signs below attest to this:

  • Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is an independent organization that certifies wool products. To obtain a certificate, the manufacturer must use approved production technologies.
  • Woolmark is a major wool manufacturer offering certification services to developing companies. The criteria for obtaining certification are the same as RWS.

Manufacturers can also apply for Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and USDA Organic certificates when using organic technologies.

Description of the material

Warm, light, and soft, virgin wool is a wonderful material. The curls on the villi are shaped like a corkscrew. You can see the shine and silkiness if you examine them under a magnifying glass. The villi range in length from 6 to 10 cm. Their fabric feels nice to the touch and is not scratchy.

The main purpose of virgin wool threads is to make opulent winter clothing:

  • light and thin, but at the same time incredibly warm coats;
  • beautiful sweaters, cardigans;
  • hats, scarves, snoods and mittens;
  • warm blankets and blankets.

Hugo Boss, Marks & Spencer, Harris Tweed, Holland & Sherry, Loro Piana, Lanificio Drago, Max Mara, Moss Bros., and numerous other well-known brands manufacture clothing made of virgin wool.

Composition

Merino sheep’s wool is used to make virgin wool. Australia, China, the United States, New Zealand, Argentina, and Turkey are the top producing nations. In production, only pure raw materials free of contaminants are used. Only combed or sheared wool comes from living animals. The raw material extracted from the back of the neck is thought to be the most valuable. It is separated into straight strands, combed, and cleaned. Yarn made from twisted cord fiber is dyed.

Virgin wool is frequently paired with polyamide, cashmere, and acrylic. The product passport or the label both list the fabric’s composition.

Made from a sheep’s first shearing, virgin wool is a premium fabric prized for its warmth, softness, and durability. Although the cost of virgin wool coats may seem high, the fabric’s longevity, quality, and use of sustainable production methods frequently make up for it. Because of these qualities, virgin wool is a wise purchase for people looking for opulence and comfort in their outerwear.

Characteristics

The finest type of woolen fabric is virgin wool. Features:

  • Pile thickness: less than 20 microns (thinner than a human hair in 2 times).
  • Wear resistance: high.
  • Breathability: high
  • Hygiene: high.
  • Resistance: to moisture, ultraviolet light, temperature changes, dirt, wrinkling, rolling.
  • Warms perfectly in cold weather, does not steam in warm weather (thin fabrics are suitable for summer).
  • The fabric does not stretch, but at the same time clothes made from it fit well on the figure.
  • Quickly absorbs moisture and dries quickly.

The price of virgin wool is its only drawback. A minimum of twenty-five to fifty thousand rubles will be spent on a coat made of Virginia wool with a small amount of cashmere and polyamide.

Care

Virgin wool can endure for many years if used carefully and maintained. Its products don’t require frequent cleaning because they are only mildly soiled. Stains are eliminated locally if they do arise. Instructions for maintenance:

  1. Follow the manufacturer"s instructions on the label.
  2. If the label is cut off and lost, dry cleaning should be preferred (use dry cleaning services).
  3. Virgin wool items are stored in folded cellophane bags. The place should be dark, treated against moths. Storing on hangers is not recommended due to the risk of deformation.

Rarely, Virginia wool can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle without spinning or hand-washed. The product is turned inside out prior to washing. There should be no more than thirty degrees in the water. The fabric is easily damaged when wet. It is strictly forbidden to wring it out after rubbing it with a brush. Using liquid detergents is preferable, especially for woolen items. The cloth is soaked in a towel after washing and allowed to dry horizontally. The product can be dried and then steam-ironed through gauze.

The superior quality of virgin wool, which provides warmth, softness, and durability, makes it stand out. Because the fabric comes from a lamb’s first shearing, it is more pricey and opulent.

The distinctive qualities of virgin wool frequently serve as justification for the expensive cost of these coats. These coats are distinguished from other fabrics by their elegant appearance, superior insulation, and long lifespan with proper maintenance.

It’s crucial to balance the initial cost of virgin wool with its long-term advantages when making a purchase decision. Many people find that investing in a virgin wool coat pays off because it blends durability, style, and comfort.

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Maria Vlasova

Fabric researcher and collector. My passion is finding rare and unique materials that can inspire me to create something special. I travel a lot to find new fabrics and learn about the traditions of their production. On this site I share my discoveries and talk about how to choose and use fabrics in different areas of life.

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